Ambassador Macenje Mazoka Presents Credentials to Pope Francis at the Vatican
Ambassador Macenje Mazoka has presented her Letters of Credence to Pope Francis, officially accrediting her as Zambia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Holy See.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Vatican, marking a significant step in strengthening the diplomatic relations between Zambia and the Holy See.
Ambassador Mazoka arrived in Rome earlier this week for scheduled meetings with key officials of the Holy See, including a private audience with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, and the Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Archbishop Gallagher praised Zambia’s progress towards development and expressed optimism for continued success. Cardinal Parolin welcomed Zambia’s ongoing positive relations with the Holy See, highlighting the importance of its peaceful nature.
During the credential presentation, Pope Francis conveyed his greetings and high regard to President Hakainde Hichilema, assuring him of prayers for him and the people of Zambia. Ambassador Mazoka was among ambassadors from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, Qatar, and Mauritania who also presented their Letters of Credence.
In his address, Pope Francis emphasized the themes of family, hope, and peace as guiding principles for diplomatic service. He likened the international community to a family, underscoring the importance of values such as love, fraternity, togetherness, and concern for others.
He highlighted the role of diplomacy in promoting these values, which are essential for authentic human development and global progress.
Reflecting on global issues, Pope Francis lamented the tragedies of civil, regional, and international conflicts, citing crises in Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, and Haiti.
He called for urgent attention to problems such as forced migration, human trafficking, the effects of climate change on the vulnerable, and economic imbalances that undermine hope, especially among the youth.
Pope Francis expressed his hope that the ambassadors’ missions would strengthen the good relations between their nations and the Holy See, contributing to a more just and humane society characterized by fraternity and peaceful coexistence.
He stressed the importance of overcoming indifference and fear to foster mutual respect and lasting peace.
Addressing the ambassadors, Pope Francis said their presence was a powerful testament to their nations’ and the international community’s commitment to addressing injustice, discrimination, poverty, and inequality, which hinder global peace and aspirations.
In conclusion, Pope Francis assured the ambassadors of the Holy See’s support in their diplomatic endeavors, offering his prayerful good wishes for their missions.
Ambassador Mazoka is also accredited to London and Ireland, further enhancing Zambia’s diplomatic reach and influence.
This is contained in a statement issued by Speedwell Mupuchi, First Secretary – Press, Zambia High Commission, London.
